System and method for retractable tennis court shade device

ABSTRACT

A court shade device including a plurality of base support columns disposed adjacent a court. A first frame arm is coupled to at least one of the plurality of base support columns, the first frame arm having a proximal end coupled to at least one of the plurality of base support columns and a distal end disposed above at least a portion of the court. A second frame arm is coupled to at least one of the plurality of base support columns and disposed a distance from the first frame arm. A cable extends between the first frame arm and the second frame arm. The court shade device includes a retractable shade panel having a first end coupled to the first frame arm and a second end slideably coupled to the cable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to PCTApplication No. PCT/US14/15228, filed Feb. 7, 2014, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated by reference. This application is also acontinuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.13/761,417, filed Feb. 7, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for a retractable tenniscourt shade device. The device is constructed such that it does notimpair or provides limited impairment of the play of the game on thetennis court that is being shaded. The device can be constructedsubstantially along existing fencing structures to surround the entiretennis court, or it can be constructed so that it is parallel to any ofthe sidelines or baselines or combinations thereof. Alternatively, thedevice can be constructed such that it is freestanding. The devicecomprises a frame supported by a plurality of support columns, whereinthe frame is disposed at an angle extending inward toward the tenniscourt while stopping short of completely covering the play area abovethe tennis court. A plurality of fabric shade panels are retractablyattached to the frame, which fabric shade panels filter substantiallyall of the light and/or UV radiation from the sun. When in place, thefabric shade panels provide shade to a portion of the tennis court whichvaries over the day.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are approximately 27 million tennis players in the United States,of which nearly 5 million play 21 times or more per year. Approximately3.2 million players are youths. Most tennis players spend a lot of timeoutside in the sun. Accordingly, they run the risk of getting too muchsun exposure which can be risky. UVA and UVB rays can cause progressiveskin damage that leads to skin cancer, which is the most common type ofcancer. More than a million Americans are diagnosed with it each year.The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC),squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Although most peopledevelop the less harmful basal cell or squamous cell variety, melanomacan be deadly. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to stay out of thesun, but if you play a sport that takes place in the sun, you are goingto be exposed. Each of these has been linked to intermittent and/orchronic sun exposure. Young and small children are especiallysusceptible to effects of sunlight and heat.

According to the Tennis Industry Association in its most recent TIANational Database Court Report, the total number of tennis courts in theUnited States is estimated at 270,000. There are significantly moreoutdoor courts than indoor courts.

Of the ten geographic areas with the highest density of tennis courtsper population, nine of those are in southern climates. The area of WestPalm Beach-Boca Raton leads in tennis court density with 2.75 totalcourts and 0.56 public courts per thousand residents, respectively. Theonly area not in a southern climate in the top ten of tennis courtdensity is Grand Rapids, Mich., with 1.01 total courts and 0.75 publiccourts per thousand residents, respectively.

Tennis is played on a rectangular flat surface, usually made of grass,clay, asphalt or concrete court. The standard court is 78 feet long and36 feet wide. Its width is 27 feet for singles matches and 36 feet fordoubles matches. The service line is 21 feet from the net. Additionalclearance space around the court is needed in order for players to reachoverrun balls for a total of 60 feet wide and 120 feet long. A net isstretched across the full width of the court, parallel with thebaselines, dividing it into two equal ends. The net is 3 feet 6 incheshigh at the posts, and 3 feet high in the center. Often a fencingstructure surrounds a tennis court or a group of tennis courts.Typically fencing or walls around an outside court are a minimum of 8feet high for residential courts and 10 feet for clubs or parkfacilities.

In 2012, the official rules and court dimensions for children aged 10and under changed. Children 8 and under now play on a court that is 36feet in length, which can be positioned laterally on a standard tenniscourt. Children 9 and 10 years old play on a court that is 60 feet inlength which can be positioned within a standard court.

The area above the tennis court should be free from overheadobstruction. For indoor courts, the minimum overhead clearance free ofany obstructions should be at least 20 feet above the baseline and 35feet above the net.

While total sun exposure is dependent on the geographic location of anoutdoor tennis court, the time of year, its orientation and cloud cover,outdoor tennis players are exposed to sun largely depending on the timeof day. For persons such as instructors who spend a large amount oftheir day on the court, they are potentially exposed to a significantamount of sun over the entire day. While some persons are moresusceptible to sunburn than others, all persons can experience negativeeffects from sun exposure if exposed for extended times. It is notalways necessary during tennis instruction for the entire playingsurface of the tennis court to be available, and certain lessons can beprovided using only a portion of the court.

Additionally, while the temperature in the shade is the same as thetemperature in a sun-exposed area, direct sunlight makes a person feelwarmer because electromagnetic radiation is being embedded directly intothe skin. Thus, a person standing in direct sunlight feels warmer thanif standing in the shade.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,306 to Milinic and titled CONVERTIBLE ENCLOSURE FORBUILDINGS AND AREAS discloses a convertible tennis-court enclosure,comprising a plurality of parallel supporting beams and two closureelements between two of the supporting beams to be extendedsimultaneously along the supporting beams, each element including aseries of purlins arranged to slide on the supporting beams andconnected in two's by a portion of a canvas fixed to the purlins, ofwhich the length is equal to half that of the beams.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,281,795 to Cutler and titled RETRACTABLE AWNINGdiscloses a retractable awning, comprising a screen which may beextended and retracted, wherein there is provided a first motor arrangedto extend the screen, a second motor arranged to retract the screen, anda control unit arranged to control the first and second motors, whereinthe first and second motors are synchronized so as to maintain tensionin the screen within predetermined values.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2004/0089426 to Cosgrove andtitled SHADE AND PRIVACY EXTENSION ACCESSORY discloses a screen panel toimprove privacy, shade, and aesthetic properties of a rigid barrierfence or wall or an outdoor patio. The screen panel has visual and audioimpairment properties that extends upward from the top of a barrier walland effectively increases the overall wall height. Other embodimentsaffix a shade or aesthetic combination accessory from a barrier fence orwall, roof, or roof support member.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0261953 to Hart and titledSAIL SHAPED AWNINGS discloses sail shaped awnings, and particularly toattached or freestanding awnings that use tensioned flexible fabric toprotect against the sun, wind, rain, hail and other weather conditions.Such awnings may also incorporate fire fighting characteristics. In oneaspect, the invention resides in a sail shaped awning attached to abuilding structure, and at least one remote support or column having atleast one wire or cable for tensioning the awning, is connected to theroof or roof support assembly so as to apply a downward, restrainingforce. Preferably, outer edge(s) of the tensioned awning fabricconnected to at least one remote support or column are raised or loweredto assist in holding down the roof and to keep out debris during highwinds. The outer edge(s) may be connected to hoisting cables or chainsconnected to winches on the remote support or column, or to telescopiccolumns.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0211179 to Cutler et al.and titled COVERING SYSTEM discloses a retractable covering systemincluding a screen that is movable between a retracted and an extendedconfiguration and at least two tensioning members attached to a leadingedge of the screen and arranged to pull the screen in oppositetransverse directions so as to create transverse tension in the screen.

Japanese Laid Open Patent Application No. JP8260739 to Yamamoto et al.and titled MEMBRANEOUS STRUCTURE FOR SPORTS FACILITIES discloses astructure to provide sports facilities with good ventilation and softtransmission of sunlight having a roof and wall made out of membranousmaterial having specified total light transmittance, where there aremultiple openings in the circumferential areas. By use of a compositemembranous material in which cloth made of polyethylene-terephthalatefiber is coated with semitransparent polyvinyl chloride resin, and thetotal light transmittance is in the range of 14-70%, an arch-shapedskeleton is coated from one end part of the structure to the other end.This membranous structure is built over a tennis court, and the facescorresponding to the lateral direction of the court are not covered withthe membranous material so as to be open. The tennis court is thuswell-ventilated and cool by shade in summer, and in winter the sunlightis transmitted so as to be warm, and hence tennis can be comfortablyplayed.

The En-Fold™ roof available from Uni-Systems, LLC (Minneapolis, Minn.)is a high performance retractable tensile structure designedspecifically for large commercial applications such as outdoor diningareas, outdoor event centers, pool decks and sports facilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for a retractable tenniscourt shade device. The device is constructed such that it does notimpair or provides limited impairment of the play of the game on thetennis court that is being shaded. The device can be constructedsubstantially along existing fencing structures to surround the entiretennis court, or it can be constructed so that it is parallel to any ofthe sidelines or baselines or combinations thereof. Alternatively, thedevice can be built with new construction doubling base support columnsas fence posts, retrofitted to existing fence posts, or constructed suchthat it is freestanding. The device comprises a plurality of basesupport columns disposed on a side of a court, a first frame arm coupledto at least one of the plurality of base support columns, the firstframe arm having a proximal end coupled to at least one of the pluralityof base support columns and a distal end disposed above at least aportion of the court, a second frame arm disposed a distance from thefirst frame arm, the second frame arm coupled to at least one of theplurality of base support columns, a cable extending between the firstframe arm and the second frame arm, and a retractable shade panel havingat least one end coupled to the first frame arm and a second endslideably coupled to the cable.

When in use, the retractable tennis court shade device makes personsplaying on the court feel cooler than if standing directly in thesunlight. Further, the retractable tennis court shade device providessome wind and rain protection to the tennis court.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a standard tennis court;

FIG. 2A depicts an overhead view of a tennis court to which aretractable tennis court shade device will be installed according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B depicts an overhead view of a tennis court with a retractabletennis court shade device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2C depicts an end view of a tennis court with a retractable tenniscourt shade device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A depicts a side view of a base support column and a frame arm ofa retractable tennis court shade device according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3B depicts a side view of the end elevation of a retractable tenniscourt shade device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3C depicts a side view of one embodiment of a steel cable strungbetween a base support column and a frame support column to which afabric shade panel can be attached.

FIG. 3D depicts a top view of a support column of a retractable tenniscourt shade device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A1 to 4N2 depict simulations of the shading on a tennis courtequipped with a retractable tennis court shade device according to oneembodiment of the invention compared to the same court without aretractable tennis court shade device located in Daytona Beach, Fla. onJun. 21, 2012 on a sunny day, showing the shading on the court over theday.

FIGS. 5A to 5N depict a simulation of the shading on a tennis courtequipped with a retractable tennis court shade device according to oneembodiment of the invention located in Washington D.C. on Jun. 21, 2012on a sunny day, showing the shading on the court over the day.

FIG. 6 depicts a front elevational view of a tennis court with a courtshade device having a plurality of base support columns according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an elevational side view of the court shade device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded front elevational view of the court shade deviceof FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a system and method for a retractable tenniscourt shade device. The device is constructed such that it does notimpair or provides limited impairment of the play of the game on thetennis court that is being shaded. The device can be constructedsubstantially along existing fencing structures to surround the entiretennis court, or it can be constructed so that it is parallel to any ofthe sidelines or baselines or combinations thereof. Alternatively, thedevice can be built with new construction doubling base support columnsas fence posts, retrofitted to existing fence posts, or constructed suchthat it is freestanding. The device comprises a frame supported by aplurality of support columns, wherein the frame is disposed at an angleextending inward toward the tennis court while stopping short ofcovering the play area above the tennis court. A plurality of fabricshade panels are retractably attached to the frame, which fabric shadepanels filter substantially all of the light and/or UV radiation fromthe sun. When in place, the fabric shade panels provide shade to aportion of the tennis court which varies over the day.

While the description provided herein may refer to a standard tenniscourt, the principles of the invention can be applied to a tennis courtof any size. Further, the principles of the invention can be applied toany outdoor surface where shading is desired, including sports playingsurfaces and non-sports surfaces such as parks, playgrounds and pools.The principles of the invention are not to be limited to the descriptionprovided below as can be appreciated by a person having ordinary skillin the art of designing sports playing surfaces and other outdoorsurfaces.

When in use, the retractable tennis court shade device makes personsplaying on the court feel cooler than if standing in the sunlight.Further, the retractable tennis court shade device provides some windand rain protection to the tennis court.

In one embodiment, existing tennis courts can be retrofitted with theretractable tennis court shade device to provide shading from harmfulsun exposure to tennis players. In this embodiment, a plurality of basesupport columns is installed along the exterior of the doubles orsingles sidelines and/or baselines along which the retractable tenniscourt shade device is to stand. The base support columns can beinstalled substantially along existing fencing surrounding the tenniscourt, where such fencing exists. Additionally, frame support columnscan be installed along the exterior of the doubles or singles sidelinesand/or baselines along which the retractable tennis court shade deviceis to stand. The base of each base support and frame support column canbe installed according to local building standards, and may requirefootings or other foundational supports. The type of foundationalsupport that is required for the base support and frame support columnscan be determined by the installer of the retractable tennis court shadedevice and is not intended to limit the invention in any manner. In oneembodiment, three base support columns are used. In other embodiments,the number of base columns to install is determined by the user.

In one embodiment, the retractable tennis court shade device can bedesigned to cover none or a portion of the tennis court, according tothe design specifications of the user. The amount of shading provided bythe retractable tennis court shade device is equivalent to the shadowcast over the playing surface of the tennis court by the fabric shadepanels which will vary according to the size and degree of inclinationof the fabric shade panels, the weather conditions and the positioningof the sun with respect to the tennis court that is being shaded.

The height of each support column can be determined by the installer,and may depend on the geographic location and orientation of the tenniscourt that is to be shaded. The height will also vary depending onwhether the support column is a base support column or a frame supportcolumn. For example, an installer may determine how much shading fromsun exposure he/she wants to limit on the tennis court playing surfacewhen designing the height of the support columns. In one embodiment, thebase support columns are about 12 feet in height and the frame supportcolumns are about 20 feet in height. In one embodiment, the base supportcolumns are the same height as the vertical supports for fencing thatmay surround the tennis court. In one embodiment, the support columnshave an outer diameter of about 2 feet. In one embodiment, the supportcolumns comprise hollow structural section (HSS).

In one embodiment, e.g., during new construction, the retractable tennisshade device can utilize base support columns also as fence posts toattach fence fabric.

In one embodiment, the retractable tennis court shade device may becoupled to existing fence posts, depending on whether the existing postscan structurally support the device. In another embodiment, theretractable tennis court shade device may be free standing and adjacentto an existing fence structure.

The frame comprises a plurality of frame arms supported at theirproximal ends by the base support columns. One or more of the frame armsmay be supported at their distal ends by frame support columns. Theproximal ends of each of the frame arms are attached at the upper end ofthe base support columns and extend inwardly toward the tennis court atan angle and distance determined by the installer. The determination ofthe angle of the attachment of the frame arms to the base supportcolumns can depend on such factors as strength, design considerationssuch as the upper limit of wind tolerance and the amount of sun that isto be shaded by the fabric shade panel that will be attached to theframe. When installed in any given location, the angle formed by theattachment of the frame arms to the base support columns and the lengthof the frame arms determines the amount of the court that will beexposed to sunlight which will vary according to weather conditions andtime of year for that particular court. By selecting the angle ofattachment of the frame arms to the base support columns and the lengthof the frame arms, the user determines the amount of shade coverage forthat particular court.

In one embodiment, the distal ends of the frame arms are each supportedby a frame support column that has been installed at the exterior ofeach end of the tennis court, substantially in line with the doublessidelines of the tennis court. In one embodiment, the distal ends of theframe arms are each supported by a frame support column that has beeninstalled at the exterior of each end of the tennis court, substantiallyin line with the baselines of the tennis court. In one embodiment, thedistal ends of one or more frame arms are supported by a frame supportcolumn that has been installed at the exterior of each end of the tenniscourt, substantially in line with the doubles or singles sidelinesand/or baselines of the tennis court, and the distal ends of one or moreframe arms may not be supported by a frame support column. For example,in one embodiment, the frame may comprise a frame arm disposedsubstantially in line with the centerline of the tennis court and whichis supported at its proximal end to the top of a base support column butis not supported at its distal end by a frame support column. Further,in one embodiment, the frame may comprise a frame arm disposedsubstantially in line with the net of the tennis court and which issupported at its proximal end to the top of a base support column but isnot supported at its distal end by a frame support column.

In one embodiment, the frame arms comprise hollow structural section(HSS). In one embodiment, the frame arms are attached to the basesupport columns and frame support columns.

In one embodiment, one or more fabric shade panels are attached to theframe which provides shading to the tennis court from the sun. In oneembodiment, one fabric shade panel is disposed between any two framearms. In one embodiment, a plurality of fabric shade panels can beattached and disposed between any two frame arms. The fabric shadepanels can be manufactured using polypropylene mesh or any othermaterial as determined by the installer. The fabric shade panels in oneembodiment can be retracted when desired. For example, where the windspeed is estimated to or in fact exceeds a certain limit, the fabricshade panels can be retracted to avoid damage or injury to the fabricshade panels, to the frame arms, to the tennis court or to persons inthe vicinity of the tennis court.

In one embodiment, one steel cable is strung between each frame armsubstantially along the bottom edge of each fabric shade panel and onesteel cable is strung between each frame arm substantially along the topedge of each fabric shade panel. In one embodiment, the steel cable is3/8 inch in diameter. In one embodiment, the fabric shade panelscomprise eyelets at the bottom edge and the top edge. In one embodiment,a ring is disposed in each eyelet through which the steel cable(s) arestrung. In one embodiment, each fabric shade panel is fixedly attachedalong one side to a frame arm and the fabric shade panel can be drawnalong the steel cables toward the adjacent frame arm in order to open orretract the fabric shade panel. In one embodiment, each fabric shadepanel is fixedly attached along one side to a steel cable that extendsbetween the base support columns and frame support columns by way of afull pin moment connection and using anchor rods with clevises, and thefabric shade panel can be drawn along the steel cables toward theadjacent frame arm in order to open or retract the fabric shade panel.In one embodiment, the user can attach a tool to one end of a fabricshade panel and draw it over the steel cables in order to retract oropen the fabric shade panel. In one embodiment, one or more straps canbe attached to one end of a fabric shade panel which can be used to drawthe fabric shade panel over the steel cables in order to retract or openthe fabric shade panel. The strap can then be secured by means of hookand loop fasteners or any other means now known or later developed.

In one embodiment, a single fabric shade panel retracts laterally alongthe entire length and/or width of the tennis court, depending on theinstallation of the retractable tennis court shade device. In oneembodiment, a single fabric shade panel retracts vertically along theentire length and/or width of the tennis court. In one embodiment, twofabric shade panels retract laterally, with each fabric shade panelcovering about one-half of the length of the tennis court. In oneembodiment, two fabric shade panels retract vertically, with each fabricshade panel covering about one-half of the length and/or width of thetennis court. In one embodiment, four fabric shade panels retractlaterally, with each fabric shade panel covering about one-fourth of thelength of the tennis court. In this embodiment, the two exterior fabricshade panels retract toward the outer edges of the tennis court, and thetwo interior fabric shade panels retract toward the center of the tenniscourt and toward the frame support column disposed at the center of thetennis court. In one embodiment, four fabric shade panels retractvertically, with each fabric shade panel covering about one-fourth ofthe length and/or width of the tennis court.

In one embodiment, the retraction of the fabric shade panels is manual.In one embodiment, a motor is used to retract the fabric shade panels.

In one embodiment, the retractable tennis court shade device can beinstalled in conjunction with mesh windscreens which are commonlyinstalled over fencing surrounding tennis courts. The mesh windscreensprovide protection against wind and also provide some shade protectionat certain angles of the sun with respect to the tennis court. When usedin conjunction with each other, it is possible to protect a largeportion of the playing surface of a tennis court with shade and thusprotect from sun exposure for a majority of the day.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a standard tenniscourt 100. The tennis court 100 comprises a forecourt 110 comprising twoleft service courts 115 and two right service courts 120; two backcourts125; two service lines 130; a net 135; a center line 140; two singlessidelines 145; two doubles sidelines 150; and two baselines 155.Forecourt 110 is 42 feet long and is bifurcated in length by net 135.Net 135 is 3 feet 6 inches high at the posts, and 3 feet high in thecenter of forecourt 110. Backcourts 125 are each 18 feet in length.Baselines 155 at each end of backcourts 125 mark the boundary for playat each end of tennis court 100. Centerline 140 longitudinallybifurcates forecourt 110 and backcourts 125. For singles play, singlessidelines 145 mark the side boundaries of play. For doubles play,doubles sidelines 150 mark the side boundaries of play. Singlessidelines 145 are located 27 feet from each other and are bifurcated bycenterline 140. Doubles sidelines 150 are located 36 feet from eachother and are bifurcated by centerline 140. If fencing is present aroundtennis court 100, it should provide room for play of about 60 feetacross and 120 feet in length.

FIG. 2A depicts an overhead view of a tennis court 100 to which aretractable tennis court shade device 200 will be installed according toone embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, three base supportcolumns 210 are located parallel to the exterior of each doublessideline 150 of tennis court 100. Two frame support columns 220 arelocated parallel to the exterior of each baseline 155 of tennis court100 and in line with each doubles sidelines 150.

FIG. 2B depicts an overhead view of a tennis court 100 with aretractable tennis court shade device 200 according to one embodiment ofthe invention. In this embodiment, base support columns 210 are locatedparallel to the exterior of each doubles sideline 150 of tennis court100. Two frame support columns 220 are located parallel to the exteriorof each baseline 155 of tennis court 100 and in line with each doublessideline 150. Each frame 230 comprises frame arms 240 which aresupported at their proximal ends by base support columns 210, and whichalso are supported at their distal ends by frame support columns 220. Inthis embodiment, each frame 230 further comprises center frame arm 245which is supported solely at its proximal end by center base supportcolumn 210. Fabric shade panels 250 are attached at each edge to steelcables 280 that extend laterally across frame 230.

FIG. 2C depicts an end view of a tennis court 100 with retractabletennis court shade device 200 according to one embodiment of theinvention. Frame arms 240 are supported at their proximal ends by basesupport columns 210 and at their distal ends by frame support columns220. Fabric shade panels 250 are attached at each bottom edge and topedge to steel cables 280. Steel cables 280 extend laterally across frame230. Fabric shade panels 250 can be extended across frame 230 orretracted toward one end of tennis court 100. Base support columns 210are installed substantially alongside fencing support columns 265, whichsupport fencing 260 surrounding tennis court 100. In one embodiment,steel cables 290 extend between the top of base support columns 210 andthe top of frame support columns 220 that are disposed at the outeredges of tennis court 100, and the ends of fabric shade panels 250 thatare disposed toward the outer edges of tennis court 100 are attached tosteel cables 290.

FIG. 3A depicts a side view of a base support column 310 and a frame arm340 of a retractable tennis court shade device according to oneembodiment of the invention. Base support column 310 is supported at itsbase by a foundation 315. Each frame arm 340 is attached at its proximalend 325 to the upper end 330 of base support column 310. Steel cables380 are extended between adjacent frame arms 340 to which one end ofeach fabric shade panel (not shown) can be fixedly attached.

FIG. 3B depicts a side view of the end elevation of a retractable tenniscourt shade device according to one embodiment of the invention. Basesupport columns 310 and frame support columns 320 are supported at theirbases by foundations 315. Steel cables 380 are strung laterally betweenadjacent base support columns 310 and frame support columns 320 to whichfabric shade panels can be attached. Steel cables 390 are strung betweentop of base support columns 310 and top of frame support columns 320 towhich one end of each fabric shade panels (not shown) can be fixedlyattached.

FIG. 3C depicts a side view of one embodiment of a steel cable 390strung between a base support column 310 and a frame support column 320to which one end of a fabric shade panel (not shown) can be fixedlyattached according to one embodiment of the invention. Steel cable 390is attached at one end to base support column 310 by way of an anchorrod with clevis 395. Steel cable 390 is likewise attached to framesupport column 320 by way of an anchor rod with clevis 395.

FIG. 3D depicts a top view of a base support column 310 of a retractabletennis court shade device according to one embodiment of the invention.Base support column 310 comprises HSS and has an outer diameter asmeasured between opposing points 305 of about 2 feet 2 inches.

FIGS. 4A1 to 4N2 depict a simulation of the shading on a tennis court100 located in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Jun. 21, 2012 on a sunny dayequipped with a retractable tennis court shade device 200 according toone embodiment of the invention compared to the same court without aretractable tennis court shade device. Beginning at 7 am in FIG. 4A1 and4A2, tennis court 100 is substantially shaded, with a small amount ofsun 470 shining through the opening between the bottom of fencing withwindscreen 460 and tennis court surface 100. At 8 am in FIG. 4B1, tenniscourt 100 with retractable tennis court shade device 200 remainssubstantially shaded from sun 470, which at this point in the day shinesthrough the opening between the top of fencing with windscreen 460 andthe bottom of fabric shade panel 450. In contrast, with reference toFIG. 4B2, slightly less than one half of the playing surface of tenniscourt 100 without a retractable tennis court shade device is shaded fromsun 470 shining through the opening above court 100 by this point in theday with shade provided only by fencing with windscreen 460. At 9 am inFIG. 4C1, tennis court 100 with retractable tennis court shade device200 remains substantially shaded by fabric shade panel 450, with a smallportion of court 100 exposed to sun 470 shining through the openingbetween the top of fencing with windscreen 460 and the bottom of fabricshade panel 450. The shade begins to decrease on tennis court 100 fromsun 470 shining above fabric shade panel 450. In contrast, withreference to FIG. 4C2, the playing surface of tennis court 100 without aretractable tennis court shade device at this point in the day is nearlycompletely exposed to sun 470 shining through the opening above court100 with only a small portion of court 100 shaded by fencing withwindscreen 460. At 10 am in FIG. 4D1, approximately one half of tenniscourt 100 with retractable tennis court shade device 200 remains shadedby fabric shade panel 450 from sun 470 shining on court 100 through theopening above court 100. With reference to FIG. 4D2, none of the playingsurface of tennis court 100 without a retractable tennis court shadedevice is shaded at this point in the day but is completely exposed tosun 470 shining through the opening above court 100. At 11 am in FIG.4E1, about one third of tennis court 100 with retractable tennis courtshade device 200 is shaded by fabric shade panel 450 from sun 470shining through the opening above court 100. With reference to FIG. 4E2,none of the playing surface of tennis court 100 without a retractabletennis court shade device is shaded and court 100 remains completelyexposed to sun 470 shining through the opening above court 100. At 12 pmin FIG. 4F1, about one quarter of tennis court 100 with retractabletennis court shade device 200 is shaded by fabric shade panel 450 fromsun 470 shining through the opening above court 100. In contrast, withreference to FIG. 4F2, none of the playing surface of tennis court 100without a retractable tennis court shade device is shaded and court 100remains completely exposed to sun 470 shining through the opening abovecourt 100. By 1 pm in FIG. 4G1, very little of tennis court 100 withretractable tennis court shade device 200 is shaded from sun 470 shiningthrough the opening above court 100. With reference to FIG. 4G2, none ofthe playing surface of tennis court 100 without a retractable tenniscourt shade device is shaded at this point in the day and court 100remains completely exposed to sun 470 shining through the opening abovecourt 100. At 2 pm in FIG. 4H1, very little shade is provided to tenniscourt 100 with retractable tennis court shade device 200 by fabric shadepanel 450 and court 100 is exposed to sun 470 shining through theopening above court 100. With reference to FIG. 4H2, none of the playingsurface of tennis court 100 without a retractable tennis court shadedevice is shaded at this point in the day and court 100 remainscompletely exposed to sun 470 shining through the opening above court100. At 3 pm in FIG. 4I1, almost one quarter of tennis court 100 withretractable tennis court shade device 200 is shaded by fabric shadepanel 450 from sun 470 shining through the opening above court 100. Withreference to 412, none of the playing surface of tennis court 100without a retractable tennis court shade device is shaded and court 100remains completely exposed to sun 470 shining through the opening abovecourt 100. By 4 pm in FIG. 4J1, about one third of tennis court 100 withretractable tennis court shade device 200 is shaded by fabric shadepanel 450 from sun 470 shining through the opening above court 100. Withreference to 4J2, none of the playing surface of tennis court 100without a retractable tennis court shade device is shaded from sun 470shining through the opening above court 100. At 5 pm in FIG. 4K1, overone half of tennis court 100 with retractable tennis court shade device200 is shaded by fabric shade panel 450 from sun 470 shining through theopening above the court. With reference to FIG. 4K2, none of the playingsurface of tennis court 100 without a retractable tennis court shadedevice is shaded and court 100 remains completely exposed to sun 470shining through the opening above court 100. By 6 pm in FIG. 4L1, nearlyall of tennis court 100 with retractable tennis court shade device 200is shaded by fabric shade panel 450 from sun 470 shining through theopening above the court, with some sun 470 also shining through theopening between the top of fencing with windscreen 460 and bottom offabric shade panel 450. With reference to 4L2, very little of theplaying surface of tennis court 100 without a retractable tennis courtshade device is shaded and largely remains exposed to sun 470 shiningthrough the opening above court 100, with a small amount of shadeprovided by fencing with windscreen 460. At 7 pm in FIG. 4M1, tenniscourt 100 with retractable tennis court shade device 200 is completelyshaded by fabric shade panel 450, with a small portion of court 100exposed to sun 470 shining through the opening between the top offencing with windscreen 460 and the bottom of fabric shade panel 450.With reference to FIG. 4M2, about one half of the playing surface oftennis court 100 without a retractable tennis court shade device isshaded from sun 470 by fencing with windscreen 460. By 8 pm in FIGS. 4N1and 4N2, tennis court 100 with and without retractable tennis courtshade device 200, respectively, are completely shaded by fencing withwindscreen 460.

Thus, over the day, a majority of the playing surface of tennis court100 with retractable tennis court shade device 200 is exposed to sun forless than 6 hours, between around 11 am to around 5 pm. In contrast, amajority of the playing surface of tennis court 100 without aretractable tennis court shade device is exposed to the sun for about 11hours that same day, from 8 am to 7 pm. Over the day tennis court 100with retractable shade device 200 has about five more hours of shadecovering the majority of the playing surface as compared to tennis court100 without retractable shade device 200.

FIGS. 5A to 5N depict a simulation of the shading on a tennis court 100located in Washington D.C. on Jun. 21, 2012 on a sunny day equipped witha retractable tennis court shade device 200 according to one embodimentof the invention, showing the shading on the court over the day.Beginning at 7 am in FIG. 5A, tennis court 100 is substantially shaded,with a small portion of court 100 exposed to sun 570 shining through theopening between the top of fencing with windscreen 560 and the bottom offabric shade panel 550. At 8 am in FIG. 58, tennis court 100 remainssubstantially shaded, with a small portion of court 100 exposed to sun570 shining through the opening between the top of fencing 560 and thebottom of fabric shade panel 550. At 9 am in FIG. 5C, the majority oftennis court 100 remains shaded from sun 570 shining through the openingbetween the top of fencing with windscreen 560 and the bottom of fabricshade panel 550. At this point in the day, sun 570 also begins shiningon tennis court 100 through the opening above court 100. At 10 am inFIG. 50, about half of tennis court 100 is shaded by fabric shade panel550 from sun 570 shining through the opening above court 100. At 11 amin FIG. 5E, about one third of tennis court 100 is shaded by fabricshade panel 550 from sun 570 shining through the opening above court100. By 12 pm in FIG. 5F, a small portion of tennis court 100 is shadedby fabric shade panel 550 from sun 570 shining through the opening abovecourt 100. At 1 pm in FIG. 5G, very little of tennis court 100 is shadedby fabric shade panel 550 from sun 570 shining through the opening abovecourt 100. At 2 pm in FIG. 5H, a small portion of tennis court 100 isshaded by fabric shade panel 550 from sun 570 shining through theopening above court 100. By 3 pm in FIG. 51, about one quarter of tenniscourt 100 is shaded by fabric shade panel 550 from sun 570 shiningthrough the opening above court 100. By 4 pm in FIG. 5J, slightly lessthan one half of tennis court 100 is shaded by fabric shade panel 550from sun 570 shining through the opening above court 100. At 5 pm inFIG. 5K, about two thirds of tennis court 100 is shaded by fabric shadepanel 550 from sun 570 shining through the opening above court 100. At 6pm in FIG. 5L, tennis court 100 is substantially shaded by fabric shadepanel 550 from sun 570 shining through the opening above court 100, witha small portion of court 100 exposed to sun 570 through the openingbetween the top of fencing with windscreen 560 and the bottom of fabricshade panel 550. At 7 pm in FIG. 5M, tennis court 100 is substantiallyshaded by fabric shade panel 550 with only a small portion of court 100exposed to sun 570 shining through the opening between the top of thefencing with windscreen 560 and the bottom of fabric shade panel 550. By8 pm in FIG. 5N, tennis court 100 is completely shaded. Thus, over theday, a majority of the playing surface of tennis court 100 was exposedto sun for about 6 hours, between around 10 am to around 4 pm. Before 10am and after 4 pm tennis court 100 had shade covering the playingsurface.

FIG. 6 depicts a court shade device 600 including a plurality of basesupport columns 602 a-n. The indicator “a-n” is intended to representany number of items, with “a” indicating 1 and “n” indicating any numbergreater than 1. The plurality of base support columns 602 a-n may bereferred to herein as the base of the court shade device 600. The courtshade device 600 is configured to be disposed adjacent a court, e.g.,the tennis court 100 (FIG. 2A). The term “adjacent” is defined herein asbeing disposed on a side of the court and/or on the tennis court 100itself. The court shade device 600 is not limited to use with the tenniscourt 100; rather, the court shade device 600 may be used on other typesof courts as well, e.g., racquetball courts, basketball courts, etc. Inother embodiments, the retractable shade device could be used atswimming pools.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, in one embodiment, a first frame arm604 is coupled to at least one of the plurality of base support columns602 at a proximal end 606 of the first frame arm 604. The first framearm 604 may have the same or different characteristics as the frame arm240 described above. In one embodiment, the first frame arm 604 isfixedly coupled to the base support column 602 to form a single unit.The first frame arm 604 and the base support column 602 may be hollowsupport structures, as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill inthe art. In other embodiments, the first frame arm 604 may be coupled tothe base support column 602 by a fastener, e.g., a base plate 608, whichmay be made of a steel material. As been seen in FIG. 7, the first framearm 604 includes a distal end 610 disposed above at least a portion of aground surface 700, which may be the tennis court 100. The dimensions ofthe portion of the tennis court 100 having the distal end 610 above thecourt may vary according to a length and/or angle of the first frame arm604.

With specific reference to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the base supportcolumn 602 is coupled to the ground surface 700 using a foundation 702,e.g., a steel pipe insert, to support the base support column 602 withrespect to the ground surface 700. The ground surface 700 is definedherein in the broadest possible sense and includes, but is not limitedto, man-made and/or natural surfaces including gravel, clay, asphalt,concrete, and the like. In one embodiment the base support column 602 iscoupled to fence fabric commonly found in outdoor sporting event areas.In such embodiments, a plurality of different types of fabric may becoupled to the base support column 602. In one embodiment, the basesupport column 602 may be coupled to an existing fence post, e.g., bybeing retrofitted within the existing fence post. In another embodiment,the base support column 602 is free standing next to an existing fencestructure.

With specific reference to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the court shadedevice 600 includes a second frame arm 612 disposed a distance 614 fromthe first frame arm 604. In one embodiment the distance 614 is betweenapproximately 8-12 feet. In other embodiments, the distance 614 may varyoutside of this range. The second frame arm 612 may have the same ordifferent features than the first frame arm 604. More specifically, thesecond frame arm 612 may be coupled to the base support column 602 inthe manner described above with respect to the first frame arm 604. Inone exemplary embodiment, the court shade device 600 includes a cable616, i.e. a top cable, and a second cable 618, i.e. a bottom cable,extending between the first frame arm 604 and the second frame arm. Inanother embodiment, the court shade device 600 may include only thesingle cable 616 or the second cable 618. In order to shade the tenniscourt 100 from the sun and other outside elements, the court shadedevice 600 includes a retractable shade panel 620. In a preferredembodiment, the retractable shade panel 620 is made of a UV-stablematerial, although other materials may be used as well.

FIG. 8 depicts the retractable shade panel 620 having at least one end800 coupled to the cable 616 and a second end 802 slideably coupledalong the cable 616. The end 800 and the second end 802 may be fixedlyor movably coupled to the cable 616. In one embodiment, the retractableshade panel 620 includes a fastener 804 coupled thereto. The fastener804 is depicted defining an aperture 806 sized and shaped to receive thecable 616 through the aperture 806. Such configuration advantageouslyallows the cable 616 to move within the fastener 804. In otherembodiments, the cable 616 may be coupled to the retractable shade panel620 through other types of fasteners, e.g, without limitation, clips,clamps, carabineers, clevises, etc. Advantageously, the retractableshade panel 620 may be expanded and retracted manually or automatically,in order to shade the tennis court 100 from the sun.

In one embodiment, a first anchor rod 808 couples the first cable 616 tothe first frame arm 604 and a second anchor rod 810 couples the secondcable 618 to the first frame arm 604. In one embodiment, the anchor rods808, 810 are steel turnbuckles having clevises attached thereto. Inother embodiments, the anchor rods 808, 810 may be clips, clamps,clasps, or another type of coupling mechanism providing a secureconnection.

In the foregoing description, the present invention has been describedwith reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that a person understanding thisinvention may conceive of changes or other embodiments or variations,which utilize the principles of this invention without departing fromthe broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification anddrawings are, therefore, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than arestrictive sense. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention belimited except as may be necessary in view of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A court shade device comprising: a plurality ofbase support columns disposed adjacent a court; a first frame armcoupled to at least one of the plurality of base support columns, thefirst frame arm having a proximal end coupled to at least one of theplurality of base support columns and a distal end disposed above atleast a portion of the court; a second frame arm coupled to at least oneof the plurality of base support columns and disposed a distance fromthe first frame arm; a cable extending between the first frame arm andthe second frame arm; and a retractable shade panel having a first endcoupled to the cable and a second end slideably coupled along the cable.2. The court shade device according to claim 1, wherein: the pluralityof base support columns are coupled to a ground surface.
 3. The courtshade device according to claim 2, further comprising: a foundationcoupling the plurality of base support columns the ground surface. 4.The court shade device according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality ofbase support columns are coupled to a preexisting fencing structure. 5.The court shade device according to claim 1, wherein: the court is atennis court.
 6. The court shade device according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a second cable extending between the first frame arm and thesecond frame arm, the second cable configured to receive the retractableshade panel.
 7. A retractable court shade device comprising: a firstframe arm having a proximal end coupled to a base and a distal enddisposed above at least a portion of a court; a second frame armdisposed a distance from the first frame arm; a bottom cable extendingfrom the first frame arm to the second frame arm at the proximal end; atop cable extending from the first frame arm to the second frame arm atthe distal end; and a retractable shade panel coupled to at least one ofthe top cable and the bottom cable, the retractable shade panelincluding a first end coupled to the cable and a second end slideablycouplable along at least one of the top cable and the bottom cable. 8.The retractable court shade device according to claim 7, wherein: theretractable shade panel is made of a UV-stable material.
 9. Theretractable court shade device according to claim 7, wherein: the firstframe arm and the second frame arm are hollow support structures. 10.The retractable court shade device according to claim 7, wherein: thebase is a base support column.
 11. The retractable court shade deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein: the base is a preexisting fencingstructure.
 12. The retractable court shade device according to claim 7,wherein: the court is a tennis court.
 13. The retractable court shadedevice according to claim 7, wherein: the bottom cable and the top cableare coupled to the base.
 14. The retractable court shade deviceaccording to claim 13, further comprising: a first anchor rod couplingthe first cable to the base; and a second anchor rod coupling the secondcable to the base.
 15. The retractable court shade device according toclaim 7, further comprising: a fastener coupled to the retractable shadepanel, the fastener defining an aperture sized and shaped to receive atleast one of the top cable and the bottom cable through the aperture.